Method of using shoe components and shoe production methods to manufacture handbags

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are handbags constructed using shoe components and shoe production methods. The handbags include a sole with an insole layer, a midsole layer, and an outsole layer. The insole lines the bottom of the interior of the handbag, the outsole lines the bottom of the exterior of the handbag, and the midsole rests in-between the insole and outsole layers. The handbags further include a welt, which is preferably attached to the insole and to the sidewalls of the handbag. The handbags also employ a combination of handbag side material, shoe uppers, stiffeners, counters, and other structures to form, support, and decorate the handbag sidewalls. Each of these sidewall components can be of different colors and textures to provide a distinctive structure reminiscent of a shoe. Additional materials can also be used to decorate the sidewalls. The sidewalls form a collar that encircles a handbag opening, preferably located near the top of the handbags. The handbag opening is equipped with a fastener such as a zipper, clasp, or button, which allows the handbag opening to be opened and closed easily. The handbags further include a combination of handles and straps generally located near the top of the handbags.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to handbags and their manufacture. In particular, the invention relates to a handbag constructed using shoe components and shoe production methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior art handbags have previously incorporated ornamental features of shoes into their designs. However, each of these prior art shoe handbags sacrifice the functional advantages of shoes and of handbags in order to achieve the desired look of a shoe-shaped handbag. For example, these shoe handbags invariably have drastically sloped sidewalls that emulate the uppers of shoes. The sloping sidewalls cover the bag from a relatively large base to a smaller opening atop the handbag. This structure creates several disadvantages. Since the sidewalls slope inwardly, these prior art shoe handbags have lower carrying capacities and volumes relative to handbags with similar base areas. In addition, the relatively small openings of these prior art shoe handbags makes it tough to reach certain interior areas of the handbags, especially towards the toebox portion of the handbags. Also, the uneven structure of the prior art shoe handbags shifts the center of gravity considerably, making these prior art handbags more likely to topple.

Handbags found in the prior art, including the shoe handbags discussed above, are typically not designed to be placed on the ground, especially rough or uneven ground. As a result, materials used to form the bottom of prior art handbags are susceptible to damage if the handbags are placed on the ground. In the case of the prior art shoe handbags, the bottoms either have no soles or have false soles that provide little to no protection.

Similarly, prior art handbags lack other support structures similar to the welts and side supports found in shoes. The sidewalls of these prior art handbags often sag or collapse. As a result, few handbags are designed with tall sidewalls because these tall handbags have a tendency to topple due to the high center of gravity and weak side support.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of known handbags and known methods for constructing handbags.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a visually and texturally distinctive handbag structure.

It is also an object of the invention to provide structural support while at the same time preserving the functionality of the handbag.

It is also an object of the invention to provide support to the sidewalls of the handbag to prevent the sidewalls from sagging or collapsing.

It is also an object of the invention to provide shock absorption and durability to the bottom of the handbag.

It is also an object of the invention to adapt the handbag for placement on rough and uneven surfaces, as well as for placement in turbulent environments such as transport in airplanes and other motor vehicles.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a handbag constructed using shoe components and shoe production methods. In one embodiment, the handbag includes a sole with an insole layer, a midsole layer, and an outsole layer. The insole lines the bottom of the interior of the handbag, the outsole lines the bottom of the exterior of the handbag, and the midsole rests in-between the insole and outsole layers. The handbag further includes a welt, which is preferably attached to the insole and to the sidewalls of the handbag. The handbag also employs a combination of handbag side material, shoe uppers, stiffeners, counters, and other structures to form, support, and decorate the handbag sidewalls. Each of these sidewall components can be of different colors and textures to provide a distinctive structure reminiscent of a shoe. Additional materials can also be used to decorate the sidewalls. The sidewalls form a collar that encircles a handbag opening, preferably located near the top of the handbag. The handbag opening is equipped with a fastener such as a zipper, clasp, or button, which allows the handbag opening to be opened and closed easily. The handbag further includes a combination of handles and straps. In the embodiment of the invention where the handbag opening is located atop the handbag, each end of the strap can be attached to opposite sides of the collar.

In another aspect, the invention relates to the method of constructing the shoe handbag. In one embodiment, the sidewalls are reinforced by the shoe uppers, stiffeners, and counters. The sidewalls are joined to the insole, both of which are then attached to the welt. The midsole is joined onto the insole, then both the bottom side of the welt and the bottom side of the midsole is covered by the outsole. The attachment devices, straps, handles, and sidewall decorations are connected to the sidewalls as necessary.

In various embodiments of the foregoing aspects of the invention, each part of the handbag can be added, removed, altered, or replaced with variations of the individual parts. For example, the midsole can be removed if the specifications tolerate less shock absorption. Conversely, fillers can be added to the sole to increase shock absorption.

These and other objects, along with advantages and features of the present invention herein disclosed, will become apparent through reference to the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a handbag in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of an embodiment of a handbag in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a handbag in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of a handbag in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a handbag in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a handbag in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a handbag in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are described below. It is, however, expressly noted that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but rather the intention is that modifications that are apparent to the person skilled in the art are also included. For example, the present invention is not intended to be limited to top-carry handbags or bags, but rather it is to be understood that the present invention can also be used to improve the durability, stability, and shock absorption of any type of bag. Similarly, the present invention is not limited to handbags, but can be applied to various carrying containers, including totes, backpacks, and briefcases.

Side views of a handbag 10 in accordance with the invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The handbag 10 includes sidewalls 20, supported by uppers 21, a welt 22, a toebox 25, a counter 26, and a sole 30 on the bottom. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the uppers 21, the welt 22, the toebox 25, the counter 26, and the sole 30 are made of materials stiffer than the material used for the sidewalls 20. The sole 30 consists of an insole (not shown), a midsole (not shown), and an outsole 33. Different patterns of decorative material 40 are affixed to the sidewalls. The decorative material 40 can include, for example, eyelets 41. To allow the handbag to be easily carried, handles 23 and/or straps 24 are placed on the handbag. Other carrying handles or straps, such as backpack straps, can be attached in place or or in addition to the handbag handles 23 and/or straps 24. The straps 24 can be attached to the handbag 10 through strap rings 51. The straps 24 can be adjusted by the belt buckle 52.

FIGS. 2 and 4 depict the rear and front views of the handbag 10, respectively. The sidewalls 20 of the handbag 10 is supported by uppers 21, a welt 22, a toebox 25, a counter 26, and a sole 30 on the bottom. The top of the sidewalls 20 forms a collar 11 that surrounds a handbag opening 12. The opening can be opened and closed by a fastener (not shown) such as zippers, buttons, and clasps.

FIG. 5 shows the bottom view of the handbag 10. The outsole 33 is strategically imprinted or positioned with grooves 34 as needed based on the specification requirements for durability, flexibility, and traction.

FIGS. 6 and 7 provide cross-sectional views of the handbag 10, showing the different layers of the sole 30. In constructing the sole 30, the insole 31 and the welt 22 are attached to sidewalls 20. The midsole 32 is joined to the insole 31 and can provide cushioning for the contents inside the handbag 10. The sidewalls 20 are sandwiched between the welt 22 and the insole 31. As shown in FIG. 7, the sidewalls 20 can further extend into the sole 30, with the ends of the sidewalls sandwiched between the midsole 32 and the outsole 33. In the typical embodiment of the invention, the outsole 33 is the last layer of the sole to be attached to the handbag 10. Both the bottom side of the welt 22 and the bottom side of the midsole 32 is covered by the outsole.

Having described certain embodiments of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments incorporating the concepts disclosed herein may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as only illustrative and not restrictive. 

1. A handbag comprising: handbag side material and a shoe sole, a shoe counter, and shoe uppers of an at least partially manufactured shoe; said shoe sole having a bottom and a top; said shoe counter having left and right side counter sections; said shoe uppers having left and right side upper sections that are not attached to each other; said counter and uppers being attached on at least one side to the top of said sole; said counter and uppers being attached on remaining unattached sides to said handbag side material; said handbag side material configured to attach to the remaining unattached top of said sole, and further being configured to attach to the remaining unattached sides of said counter and uppers, thereby forming a patchwork structure in which said handbag side material, shoe counter, and shoe uppers form the outside of said handbag, said shoe sole forms the bottom of said handbag; and said handbag has a single large opening approximately oppositely disposed to said sole forming the bottom of said handbag.
 2. The handbag of claim 1, wherein said handbag side material has a color and texture that is different from said shoe counter and shoe uppers.
 3. The handbag of claim 1, further comprising a shoe welt applied to the junction region between said shoe sole and shoe uppers.
 4. The handbag of claim 1, wherein said handbag additionally comprises a carrying handle formed from two oppositely disposed holes in said handbag side material, said oppositely disposed handle holes being positioned closer to the single large opening in said handbag and further from said sole.
 5. The handbag of claim 1, wherein said handbag further comprises a carrying strap.
 6. The handbag of claim 1, wherein said single large opening can be shut by at least one zipper, clasp, button, or other fastener.
 7. The handbag of claim 1 wherein said upper further comprises a plurality of grommet holes.
 8. A method of manufacturing a handbag, comprising: obtaining a shoe sole having a bottom and a top; obtaining a shoe counter having left and right side counter sections; obtaining shoe uppers having left and right side upper sections; attaching said shoe counter and shoe uppers on at least one side of said shoe counter and shoe uppers to the top of said sole; obtaining handbag side material; detaching said left side and right side of said shoe upper sections from each other if said the left side and the right side of said shoe upper sections are attached to one another; attaching said shoe counter and uppers on at least one side to the top of said sole; attaching said shoe counter and shoe uppers on their remaining unattached sides to said handbag side material; configuring said handbag side material to attach to the remaining unattached top of said sole, and further attaching said handbag side material to the remaining unattached sides of said shoe counter and shoe uppers, thereby forming a patchwork structure in which said handbag side material, shoe counter, and shoe uppers form the outside of said handbag, said shoe sole forms the bottom of said handbag; and said handbag has a single large opening approximately oppositely disposed to said sole forming the bottom of said handbag.
 9. The method of claim 8, further applying a shoe welt to the junction region between said shoe sole and shoe uppers.
 10. The method of claim 8, further producing a carrying handle formed from two oppositely disposed handle holes in said handbag side material, said oppositely disposed handle holes being positioned closer to the single large opening in said handbag and further from said sole, by cutting said handle holes in said handbag side material.
 11. The method of claim 8, further attaching a carrying strap to said handbag.
 12. The method of claim 8, further attaching at least one zipper, clasp, button, or other fastener to the handbag side material proximate said single large opening; said least one zipper, clasp, button, or other fastener configured to allow said single large opening to open in a first mode, and shut in a second mode.
 13. A carrying container having a top and a bottom, comprising: a sole having a top and a bottom, the sole forming the bottom of the carrying container; sidewalls comprising of side material and uppers; the uppers having left and right side upper sections; the sidewalls being attached on at least one side to the top of the sole; and the sidewalls forming a collar near the top of the carrying container, the collar encircling an opening.
 14. The carrying container of claim 13, wherein the sole comprises an outsole at the bottom of the sole, an insole at the top of the sole, and a midsole located in-between the outsole and insole, the outsole having a plurality of grooves.
 15. The carrying container of claim 14, further comprising a welt attached to the outsole and at least one sidewall, with the midsole not visible from the exterior of the carrying container.
 16. The carrying container of claim 15, wherein the sidewalls are generally perpendicular to the sole.
 17. The carrying container of claim 16, wherein the uppers are made of material stiffer than the side material.
 18. The carrying container of claim 17, wherein the left and right side upper sections that are not attached to each other.
 19. The carrying container of claim 18, wherein the uppers are attached on one side to the top of the sole, with remaining unattached portions of the top of the sole attached to the side material.
 20. The carrying container of claim 19, wherein the sidewalls further comprises a counter attached to the sole and the uppers. 